What did I get myself into?

We’re clinging to summer, but we can feel fall approaching. I wonder if you are like me - starting to wonder about what routine might look like. What will I give my time to? How do I want to grow and learn and connect?

Diane Watrous walks through the world in a beautiful way. Perhaps because she’s willing to take on trickier trails that might dissuade most of us. (Literally (!) A few Sundays ago she mentioned that a point of beauty in her week was walking the Natchez trail at midnight to see the stars!)

I’ve watched her stick with it in a unique ministry that I could imagine you hearing about and a: having imagination about what you might in the midst of or stepping into and/or b: maybe even joining her on one of her adventures.

“ I’m not sure what I expected when I volunteered for Coffee Oasis. It seems that I possibly had visions of young people asking me for advice and sharing their needs and concerns. I didn’t consider some were weary and suspicious of people they didn't know.

I settled into sorting clothes donations and toiletries and looked for opportunities to connect with them. The living situation of some of these kids can be very challenging. Living in cars with 1 parent, many on the street or couch surfing, raising younger siblings and enduring addicted parents that have their own issues.

All this being said, the moment that you connect with a youth and feel like God made it possible for you to be of help, be it little or huge, the joy and blessings are incredible. When

someone needs a ride to a doctor's appointment or job references or finally sees you as safe to confide in for a crisis or advice is like receiving a warm hug.

I have given rides, helped a young lady bake a birthday cake for her boyfriend, helped teach cooking classes & worked at holiday gatherings & fundraisers.

If you feel a tug at your heart to be a positive aspect in a young person's life please answer that call and sign up to help. You can make a difference by showing up for as little as 3 hours a week. If you can't go in person, please add Coffee Oasis to your daily prayers.”

-Diane Watrous

And I’ll just add my own invitation! Come hang out with me and Diane and the rest of the Coffee Oasis cooking club gang on Friday, August 21. We will be at the waterfront for their back to school event from 5-8pm. We have fun doing “flavor tastings.”

Our God is a God of feasting, welcome, and connection. May you find your own way - both in receiving welcome and connection and also extending it to others.

Pastor Megan